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E-Sports Manager

💰 $75,000 - $130,000

E-SportsGamingManagementMarketingCommunity Management

🎯 Role Definition

The E-Sports Manager is the strategic and operational heart of our competitive gaming program. This role is responsible for the holistic management of our e-sports teams, from player recruitment and development to tournament logistics and budget oversight. You will be the primary driver of our e-sports vision, building a winning culture, securing impactful partnerships, and growing our brand's presence in the global e-sports arena. This position requires a unique blend of business acumen, leadership, and an authentic passion for the gaming community.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • E-Sports Coordinator
  • Team Manager / Coach
  • Community Manager (Gaming)
  • Marketing Specialist (Gaming Industry)

Advancement To:

  • Head of E-Sports
  • Director of E-Sports Operations
  • Director of Global Gaming Initiatives

Lateral Moves:

  • Brand Manager (Gaming)
  • Influencer Relations Manager
  • Senior Event Manager (Gaming)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, execute, and continuously refine the organization's overarching e-sports strategy to align with business objectives and industry trends.
  • Manage the end-to-end operations of professional e-sports teams, including scouting, recruitment, contract negotiation, and onboarding of players and coaching staff.
  • Oversee and direct all logistical aspects of team participation in local, national, and international tournaments, including travel, accommodations, visas, and scheduling.
  • Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with key industry stakeholders, including game publishers, league operators, tournament organizers, and media partners.
  • Develop and manage the complete e-sports program budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, tracking expenditures, and reporting on financial performance and ROI.
  • Lead the negotiation and execution of sponsorship agreements and brand partnership activations, ensuring all contractual obligations are met and value is maximized.
  • Collaborate closely with marketing, social media, and content teams to create and promote compelling narratives, events, and content that drives fan engagement and brand growth.
  • Act as the primary public-facing representative and spokesperson for the e-sports division, handling media inquiries and representing the organization at industry events.
  • Establish and enforce a professional code of conduct, ensuring all players and staff adhere to league rules, regulations, and organizational standards.
  • Implement and manage comprehensive player development and wellness programs, focusing on in-game performance, physical health, mental well-being, and professional growth.
  • Direct the strategy for the team's online presence, overseeing community management and engagement across platforms like Twitch, Discord, Twitter, and YouTube.
  • Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as viewership, engagement, and competitive results to measure the success of initiatives and inform future strategy.
  • Oversee the management of team facilities, including training centers (gaming houses), equipment procurement, and technology infrastructure to ensure a top-tier competitive environment.
  • Mediate and resolve internal team conflicts, fostering a positive, collaborative, and highly competitive team culture.

Secondary Functions

  • Stay at the forefront of the e-sports landscape by continuously monitoring industry trends, emerging games, and new competitive opportunities for strategic expansion.
  • Coordinate with legal and finance departments to ensure all contracts, player agreements, and partnership deals are compliant and financially sound.
  • Provide regular, detailed reports on program performance, competitive landscape analysis, and strategic milestone achievement to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Manage relationships with external vendors, including production companies, merchandise suppliers, and broadcasting partners, to ensure high-quality event and content execution.
  • Lead the scouting process to identify and evaluate up-and-coming talent, building a robust pipeline of potential future players and staff.
  • Plan and execute grassroots and community-focused e-sports initiatives, such as local tournaments or fan meet-and-greets, to build brand loyalty.
  • Work with the merchandise team to develop and promote team apparel and products that resonate with the fan base.
  • Manage and mentor junior e-sports staff, such as coordinators and analysts, fostering their professional development within the organization.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Budget Management & Financial Reporting
  • Contract Negotiation & Management
  • Project & Event Management
  • Data Analysis & KPI Tracking
  • Social Media & Community Management Platforms (Discord, Twitter, Twitch)
  • Deep Knowledge of E-Sports Ecosystems & Tournament Structures
  • Sponsorship Activation & Partner Management
  • Public Relations & Media Relations

Soft Skills

  • Strategic Leadership & Vision
  • Exceptional Interpersonal & Communication Skills
  • High-Stakes Negotiation & Persuasion
  • Adaptability & Problem-Solving in Fast-Paced Environments
  • Talent Scouting & Development
  • Conflict Resolution & Team Building
  • Authentic Passion and Deep Knowledge of Gaming & E-Sports Culture

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field of study.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration
  • Sports Management
  • Marketing
  • Communications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of experience in e-sports, sports management, or a related industry.

Preferred: Proven experience directly managing a professional e-sports team, a major gaming league, or a large-scale brand presence in the e-sports space. Experience with P&L responsibility and managing high-performing talent is highly desirable.